Phrasal verbs with back and bail

Here is a list of phrasal verbs using the words back and bail. Each expression is followed by its meaning or definition. Example sentences are also given.

Back down

This is an inseparable phrasal verb.

To back down is to accept another person’s argument. The expressions give in and climb down have similar meanings.

The leader had to back down when his outrageous remarks invited sharp criticism from people.

The company has backed down from its policy of not hiring people belonging to minority communities.

Back out

This is an inseparable phrasal verb. To back out or back out of something is to refuse to do something you had promised to do.

He had promised to lend me 1000 dollars but he backed out at the last moment.

You can’t back out of a deal after signing your name on the contract.

Back up

To back somebody up is to support them.

He couldn’t back up his arguments with valid examples.

To back up a computer file is to make a copy of it.

You must back up your files.

Back up can also mean ‘move backwards in a vehicle’.

We had to back up several kilometers and take a different route.

Bail out

To bail somebody out is to help them when they are in trouble.

Whenever he lands himself in trouble, his parents bail him out.

Neither his family name nor his family connections could bail him out of the financial mess he had gotten himself into.

Sam doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions. He knows fully well that his parents are there to bail him out.